Puja Khedkar, an on-probation civil service officer, is under scrutiny after claiming visual and mental impairments in an affidavit submitted to the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to avail selection process concessions. Despite these claims, Khedkar repeatedly refused to undergo mandatory medical tests to confirm her disabilities, raising questions about her appointment.
Unconfirmed reports suggest the first test was scheduled at Delhi’s All India Institute of Medical Sciences in April 2022, which Puja Khedkar missed, citing a positive Covid-19 test. She subsequently skipped two appointments the following month and those in July and August. In September, she only partially attended the sixth appointment, failing to appear for an MRI test to assess vision loss.
Join us on WhatsApp, click here
The UPSC challenged her selection, and in February 2023, a tribunal ruled against her. Nevertheless, Puja Khedkar managed to have her civil service appointment confirmed, leading to further controversy. Additionally, questions have arisen over her claim of OBC (Other Backward Classes) status.
Khedkar’s falsified statements and the resulting allowances enabled her to pass the highly competitive Civil Services Exam with a relatively low all-India rank of 841.
Misconduct and reassignment
Puja Khedkar was recently transferred from Pune to Washim following several alleged misconducts, including using a siren on her private luxury Audi sedan. Pune Collector Suhas Divase had written to the Chief Secretary of the Maharashtra government, requesting her reassignment.
Also Read: ‘Never wanted Indians to be part of…’: Russia on desi support staff in Russian Army
“The 2023 batch IAS officer will serve the remaining period of her probation as Supernumerary Assistant Collector in Washim district,” the order stated.
In addition to the misuse of a siren, VIP number plates, and a “Government of Maharashtra” sticker, Khedkar was found using the office of Pune Additional Collector Ajay More while he was away. She reportedly removed his nameplate and furniture and even demanded letterheads.
Such perks are not available for junior officers, who are on probation for 24 months. Reports suggest her father, a retired administrative officer, had pushed for her demands to be fulfilled.
Puja Khedkar, who hails from Ahmednagar, is a 2023-batch IAS officer. The ongoing investigation and her reassignment highlight the challenges of maintaining integrity and accountability within the civil services.
